Ridding of Pacifier
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Ridding of Pacifier
| Thu, 09-16-2004 - 10:37am |
My daughter is 17 months old now. She has been attached to using her pacifier since day one. We have her now only using it to go to sleep at naptime and bedtime. We want to try to get her to stop using it but it's tough. She will not sleep without it. I was wondering what some of you have done to rid your children of the pacifier. Let me know. Thanks. -Paige, mommy2bailey

Adrienne
HTH
Paula
Wife to Jonathan
Mommy to Abigail and Lydia
Both my kids had their pacifier until they were 3. Like someone else said, I started preparing them for several months that they would soon be 3 and too big for their "nuk". I got rid of all but one and that night they left their last one out for the "nuk fairy" who took the pacifier and left a small treat. Both of my kids were VERY attached to the pacifier, but neither had a problem getting rid of it.
I've also heard to snip a small hole in the tip (don't snip the whole nipple off) so it doesn't suck the same and they will get rid of it on their own. This didn't work with my son though, who bit a hole in his but kept sucking anyway : )
If she's not ready to get rid of it yet, I've heard there's no problem with them keeping it until their a little older. Our dentist told us it shouldn't damage their teeth before 3. As long as they just have it to fall asleep. I used to take it out after then were asleep so they didn't have it in their mouths all night.
Good luck!
The first night was the worst... naps are still a little tough (takes him longer to fall asleep) but it's getting better. We bought him his favorite stuffed animal to take to bed with him the first night.
Personally, even though we waited a long time to get rid of it, I think he's a good age because he understands. he even has a little brother with a binky and doesn't try to take it. I think you should wait!!!
Trish :)